Winterfest Boat Parade executive to be honored

Lisa Scott-Founds, president and CEO of Winterfest Inc. is the honoree… (Sun Sentinel )

April 16, 2014|By Miriam Valverde, Sun Sentinel

Lisa Scott-Founds, the chief executive leading the annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, is being honored Thursday for contributing to the growth and development of Riverwalk Park and downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The recognition is being given by Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, a nonprofit that handles the promotion, beautification and programming at Riverwalk Park.

The popular annual winter boat parade features more than 100 boats touting holiday lights and decorations for 12 miles across the New River.

The first parade was in 1971 and used to start at Port Everglades, but under Scott-Founds' leadership it moved over to downtown Fort Lauderdale. Winter festivities include a black tie ball, Grand Marshal reception and family day.

Organizers estimate that more than a million people watch the parade each year and that the celebration generates at least $48 million a year in economic impact. Scott-Founds has had a lot to do with its growth.

"Lisa Scott-Founds exemplifies an individual that not only does her job well,'' said Genia Duncan Ellis, president and chief executive of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. "but also served as the catalyst for spurring the economic engine that fuels our local businesses and economy."

Scott-Founds, born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, began volunteering for the boat parade in 1986 and was hired in 1995 as corporate and community relations manager. A year later, she became executive director.

Scott-Founds remembers going to the parade with her family when she was a child.

"It's a unique thing," she said. "It is so diverse and beautiful and touches so many people."

Duncan Ellis said said Scott-Founds' leadership and efforts also extend to many local charities.

"She is a role model of 'pay it forward' with her generous nature and willingness to always lend a hand," Duncan Ellis said.

The Riverwalk Tribute honoring Scott-Founds will be at Riverside Hotel, with a VIP reception starting at 5 p.m. For tickets, visit goriverwalk.com or call 954-468-1541, ext. 205.